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What inspires you these days? What materials have you been experimenting with? Nearly every month we present you with another “What are You Working on Now?” contest. It’s your chance to submit a picture and a description of what’s on your bench right now. This month’s winner, Kharisma Ryantori Sommers, has her work in the spotlight and October’s contest has officially begun—show us what’s on your bench for a chance to win a $20 Rio credit!

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What inspires you these days? What materials have you been experimenting with? Nearly every month we present you with another “What are You Working on Now?” contest, in which we invite readers to submit a picture or two and a description of what’s on their bench right now. Well, this month’s winner, Roberta Althiser, has won a $10 Rio credit, and February’s contest has officially begun–show us your stuff for a chance to win!

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Check out jeweler Melodie Owen’s recent interview on jewelspan.com, in which she talks about how much she’s learned in Rio Grande’s classes over the years. Melodie has become part of the Rio Grande family as she’s expanded her skills and knowledge, and we love following her work. Thanks Melodie!

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What inspires you these days? What materials are you dying to work with? Each month we present you with another “What are You Working on Now?” contest, in which we invite readers to submit a picture or two and a description of what’s on their bench right now. Well, this month’s winner, Ivona Posavi Psak, has won a $10 Rio credit, and May’s contest has officially begun – show us your stuff for a chance to win!

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Knowing how to choose the correct hardness of sheet and wire metals for your jewelry techniques and designs helps you achieve the good-looking, long-lasting results you want. In today’s post, Eddie Bell and Mark Nelson share some of what they know about metal hardness. Take a look! It’s sure to enrich your experience at the bench!

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With the advent of Etsy.com, a lot of our jewelry customers are finding it easier than ever to start an online store to sell their work. We thought we’d highlight a few of them and learn a bit about the artists!

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Chain and Bead Jewelry Soldering Connections is the fourth book in Scott David Plumlee’s series on chain making. If you love making chain, but have been avoiding projects that involve soldering, this is the book for you!

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Today we’ve got another wire working project to share with you. In this one, Mark Nelson creates a pair of large silver hoop earrings made from 20-gauge sterling wire and wrapped with Swarovski beads. Have fun!

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I often think about how many memories are tucked away in my jewelry box. Beyond the aesthetic appeal of each piece, my jewelry is more fun to wear because each has it’s own “story”. Adding to the pleasure my jewelry brings, is the extra special gratitude I feel when a piece brings a nice compliment from others…

The Studio Blog

Welcome to The Studio, a meeting place for those who, like all of us at Rio Grande, share a passion for making jewelry.

This little corner of the web is your opportunity to meet and visit with our experts and the experts who are our friends and partners. Come by often and see what’s new. Offer your take on the latest and greatest in your shop or studio.

Whether you’re just starting out or are always on the prowl for a new idea or inspiration, we look forward to getting to know you!

Featured Posts

Today’s “Influencers in Jewelry Design” post continues a series by Marlene Richey that celebrates the most influential and important shapers of contemporary jewelry design. This time, Marlene spotlights the lasting impact of Alexander Calder and The Bauhaus, both of whom have had a far-reaching influence on industrial design, fine art, and jewelry making for decades. How have these design greats influenced you? Join the conversation—we want to hear your jewelry Influencer stories!

How does a jeweler know that he/she is choosing the right solder or flux for the job? There are so many confusing details related to soldering, brazing, and fluxes that I thought I’d ask our resident expert Mark Nelson to help me sort things out. . .